The damage is done: Now, how to not get ripped off on your repairs

If your home was damaged in Monday's storms, you'll be looking for someone to do repair work. Be careful that you hire legitimate contractors

WRTV

Kokomo storm damage

Copyright 2016 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

As Indiana residents assess the storm damage left behind, we want to warn you about storm clean-up scams.

While you may want to get your home fixed (especially your roof) as soon as possible after a storm, there are people out there looking to take advantage of you.

Here are a few items that will help you make the right decision when it comes to hiring a contractor to fix the damage:

Call your insurance company, file a claim and check to see which contractors are on the company’s approved list.

Even better: Understand your insurance policy coverage before the storm hits. Never sign over your homeowner’s insurance settlement up front and avoid a company that offers to pay or help with your deductible.

State law requires a written contract for anything above $150 that should be detailed with the job expectations and a start and end time for the contractor.

Do not pay in full. Pay as the work gets done. A company that demands payment up front should be carefully considered.

Look to see whether a company is local. Do they have marked trucks/vehicles? Do they have a local phone number?

Keep a wary eye out for discounts. Scammers often try to strong-arm homeowners into signing a contract on the spot for a discount. Angie’s List says a deal today should be a deal tomorrow as well.

Copyright 2014 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.